A full-day scenic railway journey in New Zealand (real vs fictional)

I traded in the fictional Kelvin Explorer for the very real Northern Explorer yesterday.

The full-day scenic railway journey runs much of the length of New Zealand’s North Island “from rolling farmland and volcanic landscapes to dramatic river gorges and rugged coastlines.” Also: engineering marvels like the Makohine Viaduct and the Raurimu Spiral.

A very leisurely way to travel to Auckland, but infinitely more pleasant than driving and it was also cheaper than flying.

Selfie of author G. B. Ralph sitting in a train carriage

View of the inside of a train passenger carriage

View of a river from a train observation carriage with silhouettes of passengers in the foreground

View of a river from a train observation carriage

View of a locomotive and carriages from the observation carriage at the end of the train

Travel aboard the Northern Explorer (in real life)

Travel aboard the Kelvin Explorer (in a book)

Killer on the Kelvin Explorer

Addison Harper and Sergeant Jake Murphy are off to a shaky start with their new living situation. So, when Addison has the chance to get out of town and clear his head, he’s quick to climb aboard.

The day’s scenic railway journey features a powerful steam engine pulling lovingly restored heritage carriages. On the train, passengers enjoy dramatic landscapes and endless cups of tea. When it comes to driving Milverton’s tourism, Addison can see they’re already on the right track. Unfortunately, a death en route threatens to derail not only the day’s excursion but any future marketing efforts.

Passengers have been promised an unforgettable day out – and they’re going to get it.

Killer on the Kelvin Explorer traverses New Zealand’s picturesque lower North Island and is the latest in a wonderful cosy mystery series.

Investigate The Milverton Mysteries for a chaotic cast of local busybodies, delicious baked treats, a demanding and disdainful ginger cat, a very slow-burn romance with a rather appealing policeman, and of course… murder!